Rivals Battle For New York, Buffalo Wins in Shootout
Beauts Win in Shootout (@NWHL/Twitter)
Buffalo, NY - In the battle for New York the Buffalo Beauts and New York Riveters met at the HarborCenter in Buffalo with second place in the NWHL on the line. The Beauts gave up a third period goal to Amanda Kessel to even the score at three, after a scoreless overtime, and six shootout rounds Kristina Lavoie put it away for Buffalo.
In the first period, Lauren Wash picked up her first career NWHL goal just 2:44 into the frame to put the Riveters ahead 1-0. The Beauts picked up their play after the early score and were reward when Megan Bozek, on the power play rush, sniped one past Katie Fitzgerald to even the game at one. Buffalo outshot New York, 13-10 in the first period and carried that momentum into the second.
Corinne Buie came into the weekend tied for the league lead in goals scored, she added to that mark with an early second period goal to give the Beauts a 2-1 lead. Just like Buffalo did in the first, the Riveters buckled down defensively and got an equalizer by Amanda Kessel about midway through the frame. After four minutes of back and forth play, Buffalo regained the lead on another power play goal this time from Shiann Darkangelo. The Beauts took a 3-2 lead into the locker room although being outshot in the second 23-10 by New York.
The Third period saw both teams exchange 10+ shots on the opposing net but neither team could find the back of the net. That was until the Beauts took a penalty in the last ten minutes of play. Kessel made them pay scoring on the power play and tying the game at three.
After a scoreless overtime the teams went into a shootout. At the end of five rounds no player had scored. Kristina Lavoie changed that, scoring in the top half of the sixth round. Amanda Leveille made 45 stops for Buffalo and closed the door on Bray Ketchum to seal the win.
